Growing up I moved around alot, so I am envious of people who can say they have a friend since they were kindergarten or elementary school. For me, my oldest friend came in the form of a four eyed, tall, skinny and curly browned boy who had moved from Indiana when I was in 7th grade. He was extremely gifted in math and science (both not my strongest subjects). Somehow, along the way we formed an academic rivalry in English, history and spanish. I remember complaining to Mrs. Jordan (our history teacher and home room teacher--I did adore her), saying that Mateo was a pain. She then mentioned that I needed to be challenged and that I was getting complacent in doing well. She was right. *sigh. You cannot expect to excel if you are complacent. I vividly recall one day in our Social Studies class, it was Mateo and I vs the whole class on current events topics. The winner gets extra points on an upcoming test. Suffice to say, Mateo and I won. (I recall one classmate being upset saying it was unfair for the two of us to be against the whole class.)
Well I attended Mateo's wedding this past weekend in the DC Area in McLean Virginia near Tyson's Corner. He had attended the prestigious Air Force Academy and was one of the top students in my graduation class at BHS. I enjoyed the traditions that Air Force grads have from the sabres and his groomsmen (classamates) in their uniforms they looked very smart. It was a beautiful wedding, his bride was radiant. I had the privilege to meet her for dinner this past July. The look of happiness and joy every time they looked at each other touched my heart. I have never seen him this truly content and happy.
The church was beautiful and all the words spoken throughout the ceremony and afternoon tea reception were heartfelt! I saw Mateo's father and got a big hug. I always liked his dad (who is also whom he is named after). I told him how I visited Budapest. (He is Hungarian American and he marveled that I beat him to visiting his homeland of his heritage). I chatted with his baby sister who is no longer a baby (last time I saw her she was one) but a willowy, beautiful young woman who is a jr at my former high school. She played the piano during the wedding ceremony. Mateo's baby brother was the best man and I recall him as a cute young boy with bangs and eyes as big as saucers! Now he just graduated from college and is ready to take on the world. His other sister (closer to his age), used her talents to do all the beautiful flower arrangements. The last time I saw her she was attending Georgetown. Now she is married and speaks beautiful Mandarin (after three years of classes). When I did have a chance to chat briefly with Mateo and his bride, I was glad I was able to attend. I had to miss his bride's bridal shower back on the Cape as it was on the day of my return from Italy during Memorial Day weekend.
Now two of my three high school friends are married. I truly was happy and ecstatic for Mateo. When we hugged, it was heartfelt and the flow of friendship, emotions, happiness just flowed between us. He has a beautiful future with a wonderful wife and partner. According to the reverend, Mateo set precedent high of any other groom by having 12 days of presents before their wedding day. They are a truly blessed couple.
The afternoon tea spread was great. We had many petit fours, finger sandwiches, an array of teas and desserts. I tended to gravitate towards the scones, tirimisu, flank steak and brie as well as the egg salad sandwiches. What a great way to spend a lovely and gorgeous Saturday afternoon this past weekend. Thanks to my friend MK for coming with me and attending. I enjoyed signing their framed photo of the couple at afternoon tea. Then there was a lovely plate for people to sign in addition to a recipe book asking for advice for a successful marriage.
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